Idol members active in K-pop have been embroiled in unsavory incidents. One group disbanded over allegations of a member's affair, and another group severed ties with a member over a privacy controversy. With troubling news for two consecutive days, there are calls for K-pop idols to wake up.
On the 16th, 1theHundred, the agency of The Boyz, announced that member Joo Haknyeon would temporarily suspend activities due to personal reasons. Although the suspension was sudden, the reason was unknown, and fans supported Joo Haknyeon, saying he might have personal reasons such as health issues.
But in just two days, support turned into disappointment. The reason for Joo Haknyeon's suspension was related to his private life. On the 18th, a media outlet reported that Joo Haknyeon had a private meeting last month at a private bar in Tokyo, Japan, with former adult video actress Asuka Kirara.
According to a questionnaire from the Japanese media Shūkan Bunshun, Joo Haknyeon visited a bar in Roppongi on the night of the 19th of last month with Japanese acquaintances, and at the drinking gathering that lasted until dawn the next day he was together with Asuka Kirara. It was reported that Joo Haknyeon and Asuka Kirara hugged and showed other physical affection, such as resting a chin on a shoulder. Asuka Kirara debuted as an adult video actress in December 2007, retired in February 2020, and is currently active as an influencer.
In response, 1theHundred said, "Upon receiving information that Joo Haknyeon was involved in a private life issue, the company immediately suspended activities and took time to carefully verify the facts. As a result, we took the seriousness of the matter gravely and clearly recognized that it would be difficult to maintain trust as an artist. Accordingly, after sufficient discussion with The Boyz members, the company has finalized Joo Haknyeon's departure from the team and the termination of his exclusive contract."
1theHundred added, "We ask for your deep understanding that this decision was an unavoidable measure to protect The Boyz members and the team. We inform you that Joo Haknyeon has ended all activities as a member of The Boyz as of today. 1theHundred will spare no support or effort to ensure the remaining members of The Boyz can continue their activities in good health without disruption."
Ahead of Joo Haknyeon's privacy controversy, on the 17th the exclusive contract termination of IHOTEU, which bills itself as a 'K-underground idol,' became a hot topic. The three-member girl group IHOTEU was the first artist of EFG Music, a subsidiary of JDB Entertainment. The term 'underground idol' refers to idols who do not appear on major media such as broadcasts or magazines and focus on live performances.
On the 13th, IHOTEU announced the suspension of one member's activities. On the same day as that notice, it also announced the termination of the exclusive contracts of the other two members, but the reason was revealed four days later. It was because one member was embroiled in an affair allegation with JDB Entertainment CEO Mr. A. EFG Music, to which IHOTEU belongs, is a subsidiary of JDB Entertainment.
On the 17th, a media outlet raised suspicions of an inappropriate relationship between JDB Entertainment CEO Mr. A and girl group member Ms. B. According to the report, Mr. A and Ms. B continued to meet alone after schedules ended and were seen hugging on late-night streets or holding hands. Photos and videos related to this are spreading through social media. A man and a woman presumed to be Mr. A and Ms. B appear in the videos and photos, which include scenes of hugging or physical contact on a street at midnight. A netizen who posted the photos and videos added comments such as "The person who had an affair with a subordinate woman while gaslighting is still the CEO," "He has two kids and is married—did he get his wife's permission?" and "This isn't false information or malicious defamation, but I'm upset."
JDB Entertainment said it is carefully checking the facts regarding the inappropriate relationship between Mr. A and Ms. B and explained that Mr. A informed the company of his intention to resign.
Following IHOTEU's disbandment and Joo Haknyeon's departure from The Boyz, successive private life controversies have left deep scars on the reputation of K-pop, which boasts high status. Given the great love and popularity from fans, idols must reflect on and be careful about each of their actions. These two cases should serve as lessons to spur greater awareness.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]